Sternberg Museum of Natural History

Imagine a unique space beneath a giant dome where the ancient legends of the Great Plains come to life. This is the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, a leading scientific center in the city of Hays. As part of Fort Hays State University, this venue combines academic depth with breathtaking displays.

The museum covers an impressive 100,000 square feet and is considered one of the finest university-affiliated natural history institutions in the USA. It houses extensive collections that tell the story of Earth and the evolutionary processes that have unfolded over millions of years.

The museum's main highlight is its focus on regional paleontological finds. Guests can see rare fossils that have earned Kansas acclaim within the scientific community and made this museum a must-visit for all nature history enthusiasts.

For more details or information about special events, you can use the museum's official contact information. The staff is always ready to help tourists plan their educational itinerary through Hays.

Inside the museum's halls, a true paleontological legend awaits — the famous "fish-within-a-fish." This unique fossil features a giant Xiphactinus with its last meal, a Gillicus, preserved inside. Discovered by George F. Sternberg in 1952, it remains one of the most photographed specimens.

Be sure to head up to the second floor to cross the bridge into the Cretaceous period zone. Here, you'll find yourself surrounded by full-scale dinosaur models, including a standout 12-meter animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex. Thanks to modern technology, these ancient giants come to life, letting guests feel like participants in events from 95 million years ago.

Beyond the dinosaurs, it's worth exploring the interactive exhibits and the area dedicated to the Sternberg family history. There, you can see a realistic figure of George Sternberg meticulously working on a find, providing a better understanding of the work performed by past researchers.

Finding your way to this scientific center is easy if you are traveling by car. The main route follows the I-70 interstate: take exit 159 (Hays) and head north on US-183 until the turn for Sternberg Drive. Free parking is available for visitors at the museum building.

For those arriving by air, Hays Regional Airport (HYS) is just a 10-minute taxi ride away. Since the city is a small university hub, public transportation is not very extensive, so taking a taxi or renting a car is the best option for comfortable travel from the city center or your hotel.

The history of this institution began with Dr. George M. Sternberg, a military surgeon during the Civil War era. While stationed at Fort Harker, he became fascinated by searching for fossils in local sandstone, sparking what would become a massive family legacy. His passion was later shared by his brother Charles and his nephews, forming a true dynasty of professional "fossil hunters."

An amazing fact: the youngest member of the family, George F. Sternberg, made his first major discovery — a plesiosaur skeleton — in 1892 when he was only nine years old. He dedicated the rest of his life to collecting and studying ancient remains, becoming a pivotal figure in shaping the museum's collections.

The modern building with its recognizable dome was opened in 1999. Previously, the site housed a fitness center, but after an extensive reconstruction, the space was transformed into one of the most high-tech university-affiliated natural history centers in the USA.

To thoughtfully explore all the permanent exhibitions, including the famous Cretaceous period dioramas, the average visitor will need 2 to 3 hours. This is the ideal amount of time to examine fossil details without rushing and enjoy the prehistoric atmosphere.

If you plan to participate in interactive programs or explore the regularly updated temporary exhibits in detail, it is better to set aside half a day for your visit. For families with children, the time will fly by as many displays invite close inspection.

The museum's doors are open to guests throughout the week, except for Mondays when maintenance work is carried out. On weekdays and Saturdays, the collections can be viewed from 09:00 to 18:00, and on Sundays, the museum opens a bit later — at 13:00.

Please note that the schedule may change slightly during holidays or university breaks, so it is recommended to check the official website before your visit to confirm current operating hours.

A stroll around the area after your museum visit will help you soak in the atmosphere of the college town and discover its historical heritage. Exploring Hays is an excellent way to continue your day, offering both cultural sites and cozy spots to relax.